According to the Washington Post, a spokesperson for Cruz said that the two senators “ran across [the rug] in Houston and took a picture,” but didn’t specify whether or not the rug was real tiger skin. She also added to the Post in an email, “It’s unfortunate the same outrage isn’t displayed by the left when it comes to defending the lives of hundreds of thousands of unborn babies aborted every year.”

PETA released a statement Thursday condemning the Texas senator. “If the rug is real, Ted Cruz’s use of it reduces a majestic once-living being to a doormat. Gunning down wildlife in order to make umbrella stands, rugs, and ornaments is frowned upon in the 21st century, as most people have come to learn from and be awe-inspired by the lives, intelligence, and social make-up of other living beings.”